Skillz4Me back up and running
Skillz4me, the Sharks Have Heart supported program providing therapy for children on the Autism Spectrum or with additional needs, is back up and running following an unavoidable break due to the COVID-19 situation.
A program combining sport, fun and therapy, Skillz4Me sessions focus on building confidence, improving social skills, coordination and balance, stimulating neural pathways, eye tracking and concentration, in a healthy, safe and friendly environment.
Founded and conducted by Jason Stanton and his wife Sarah, Skillz4Me is a one-hour weekly session delivered at no cost to families.
Sharks Have Heart General Manager George Nour was excited to see Skillz4Me restart and confirmed the support of the Sharks, as well as that of platinum community partner Woolooware Bay, would continue post the recent COVID-19 shutdown.
“Sharks Have Heart have been involved with Skillz4me for several years and are excited to continue this support of their therapy programs for children of all abilities,” Nour said. “COVID-19 has provided unique challenges to families with special needs children but its very pleasing Skillz4me, which offers a range of programs that combine occupational therapists, social workers, early childhood teachers and coaches in the one environment to assist families, has been able to recommence.”
During the Covid-19 restrictions, Skillz4me offered 1on1 sessions as well as Parent Connect meetings (via zoom), while group therapy was not possible.
After obtaining approval for small group sessions to recommence, Skillz4me welcomed back families to the centre in providing the much-needed service and support. These sessions included Art & Craft group, Social Skills Training group and Lego group.
“It was great to see the children's smiles and special thanks to Sarah and Jason Stanton for the hard work behind the scenes to prepare the facility and modify the programs around the COVID-19 requirements,” Nour added.
“Skillz4me continues to be an outstanding community initiative that Sharks Have Heart and Woolooware Bay are proud to support.”
The program is now based at the CBC centre in Caringbah, with that facility eager to support Skillz4Me and the outstanding service they provide.
